Massage Therapy is a Diploma program offered by Fortis College in Richmond, VA. The program takes 36 weeks to complete, with a total tuition of $11,314.
Program Overview
Massage therapy is a growing branch of alternative and holistic health care. Massage therapists are allied health professionals who contribute to clients' well-being. The Massage Therapy program prepares graduates with a strong foundation of healthcare knowledge and practical skills for entry-level employment in the field.
Students learn anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and hands-on techniques including Swedish massage, deep-tissue and sports massage, spa therapies, and kinesiology, plus the business aspects of massage and a supervised student clinic. The training prepares students to sit for state and national licensure and to practice as an ethical, entry-level massage therapist.
What sets this Program apart
- Earn a Massage Therapy diploma in 36 weeks (625 clock hours).
- Hands-on training in Swedish, deep-tissue, sports, and spa massage, plus kinesiology.
- Includes a supervised student massage clinic.
- Prepares graduates to sit for the MBLEx (Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards) for state licensure.
- Accredited by ABHES.
General Requirements
- A high school diploma or its recognised equivalent, with documentation. Foreign credentials must be translated into English and evaluated as equivalent or higher by a NACES-member…
- You must be at least 17 years old when your program of study starts.
- Complete an applicant information form and interview with an admissions advisor or other administrative staff.
- Achieve the minimum score on the Wonderlic Scholastic Level Exam (SLE). For Emergency Medical Technician at this campus the published minimum is 15. A passing score is valid for…
- Meet all financial obligations and complete the tuition payment requirements.
- Sign the Fortis enrollment agreement once accepted.
Application Process
- 1Speak to an admissions advisorEvery applicant is assigned an admissions advisor who explains the curriculum and policies and books the interviews you need.
- 2Submit your documentationProvide proof of high school completion and complete the applicant information form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure Fortis receives every required document.
- 3Sit the Wonderlic SLETake the Scholastic Level Exam and reach this program’s published minimum. Accommodations must be requested under the catalog’s policy — campus staff cannot approve them.
- 4Financial aidFortis participates in federal student aid including Pell Grants, Direct Loans, PLUS Loans and Federal Work-Study. File the FAFSA and meet the campus financial aid office.FAFSA Code for Fortis College in Richmond: E01103Complete FAFSA Application
- 5Sign the enrollment agreementAdmission decisions weigh your fulfilment of the requirements, your previous educational records and your career interests.
Program Schedule
Classes meet mornings, 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
The program is 625 clock hours, completed in 36 weeks, delivered on-campus, and includes a supervised student massage clinic.
- December 14th, 2026
Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
Attending an accredited program means your education has met independently reviewed quality standards designed to protect students.
The Massage Therapy program at Fortis College in Richmond is offered at a campus accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- A reliable indicator of educational quality
- Eligible for federal Title IV financial aid
- Independently reviewed against published standards
- Recognised by employers in the field
Accreditations
Student Demographics
These are demographics for all students at the Fortis College in Richmond Campus (IPEDS, 2024).
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
The total program cost of $13,905 covers tuition plus the required fees and materials below:
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $11,314 |
| Administrative & technology fee | $103 |
| Student kit | $803 |
| Certification / licensure exam | $265 |
| Background check | $66 |
| Textbooks & e-books | $413 |
| Laptop computer | $941 |
| Total program cost | $13,905 |
Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Fortis participates in federal student aid programs including Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans for parents, and Federal Work-Study. Complete the FAFSA and speak with the campus financial aid office to learn what you are eligible for.
Curriculum
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours |
|---|---|---|
| MST120 | Swedish Massage and Assessment | 60 |
| MST115 | Kinesiology Upper Body | 60 |
| MST125 | Laws, Regulations and Ethical Standards | 60 |
| MST145 | Kinesiology Lower Body | 60 |
| MST111 | Anatomy and Physiology & Pathology I | 60 |
| MST130 | Deep Tissue Techniques and Applications | 60 |
| MST141 | Anatomy and Physiology & Pathology II | 60 |
| MST135 | Spa Massage Therapies | 60 |
| MST156 | Modalities for Massage & Bodywork | 65 |
| MST166 | Certification Review & Career Development | 80 |
| Total | 625 |
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment as licensed massage therapists, clinical massage therapists, deep-tissue massage therapists, and medical massage therapists.
Graduates are eligible to take the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards; licensure is required to work as a massage therapist in Virginia.
What to expect as a Fortis student
Fortis is a career-focused college. The Massage Therapy program follows a set, sequenced schedule combining classroom instruction with extensive hands-on technique practice and a supervised student clinic where you treat clients under an instructor's supervision.
Students are not paid for work performed in the clinic experiences.